Discusses the contexts in which classroom data on foreign language acquisition has been collected and the effect that ignoring these contexts has had on the application of foreign language acquisition research to foreign language teaching and learning. A scheme to aid in analyzing the different approaches to linguistic data is presented. (SED)

Research results in the social and behavioral sciences are thought to be less replicable than results in the physical sciences. Comparisons of the cumulativeness of research in the former sciences have not been made. Argues that the study of cumulativeness could predict results from replicated experiments under good conditions. (Author/VM)

This article considers different ways in which research and policy are connected in an era of educational reform. The relationship between public policy, school reform, and educational research is examined from a political perspective. The article focuses on the uses of research in recent state-level reform activities in Texas. (JL)

In response to H. Lee Swanson's paper, "Toward a Metatheory of Learning Disabilities," this counterpoint addresses the role of basic versus applied research, limitations of the procedure proposed by Swanson for establishing external validity and proving the metatheory, and limitations of metatheoretical research with regard to developing…

In rebuttal to H. Lee Swanson's paper, "Toward a Metatheory of Learning Disabilities," this article emphasizes that a bias toward applied research in learning disabilities is appropriate, that explanatory theories may not provide control over the phenomena explained, and that the field's orientation toward social consensus rather than…

This response to H. Lee Swanson's paper, "Toward a Metatheory of Learning Disabilities," argues that the field's development from social consensus has positive consequences and that the field is a "prenormal' science. A megatheory is suggested, incorporating metatheoretical aspects of the learning-disabled's information processing…

All too often, the research dealing with sex equity is overlooked by teacher supervisors. Research findings dealing with verbal interaction patterns and various alternatives to following sexist examples are presented so that unconscious sexist teaching behaviors among both male and female teachers can be identified. (CJH)

This rejoinder reiterates the author's position that the self-fulfilling prophesy phenomenon can not be proved. Unsuccessful efforts to replicate the "Pygmalion" study are presented. Because replication is essential to proofs in behavioral science research, the phenomenon can not be considered valid to behavioral scientists. (VM)

Laments the lack of knowledge college-level English instructors have about the bond between reading and writing, as revealed in a survey. Reviews the history of the separation of the teaching of reading and writing and the theory and research on their connections. Suggests classroom applications using these connections. (SD)

This study examined the relationship between scholarly publication by faculty teaching in library and information science programs and 18 selected variables. Six variables were found to be predictors of faculty productivity: highest degree earned, size of faculty, years elapsed from bachelors's to highest degree, program type, prestige of program,…

A series of humorous aphorisms reflect on why American higher education does not improve despite quantities of research and pervasive change in recent years. Topics covered include research, excellence, the liberal arts, administration, faculty, and students. (MSE)

What research indicates about the issue of effective whole group instruction is presented and discussed. Teacher behaviors apt to be helpful are listed. (MNS)

The perspective of a legislative staff member regarding the utility of research concerning policy making is presented as well as recommendations about other useful areas of research. (CB)

The technological systems of communication, production, and transportation provide the content for structuring technology education programs. State departments of education have produced curriculum materials based on these systems. To make programs meaningful, teachers must focus on technological systems and must study the technical and…

This article describes the background and rationale for the Convening Process, created and evaluated by the U.S. Department of Education staff, and its relation to other efforts to increase the use of research and evaluation information. (Author/LMO)